Objectives:
1. Explain the current scope of the safety issues associated with opioids.
2. Review the indications of opioid use and outline the absolute and relative contraindications to opioid use in non-malignant chronic pain conditions.
3. Relate the adverse effects of opioids.
4. Report the common aberrant behaviors which should alert the providers to misuse and abuse of opioids.
5. Identify the tools used to improve safe use of opioids.